Get help with child arrangements

Use this guide if you need to make or change child arrangements (also known as contact, access or custody) with the other parent. For example, you may need to decide where your children will live or rearrange the times they see you.

This guide contains help on:

Preparing to make arrangements

Includes information on where to find emotional support and how to put your children’s needs first.

Reaching an agreement

Includes information on the different options you can use (such as mediation) to help you make an arrangement.

Preparing to make arrangements

The needs of your children should come first when you make child arrangements with the other parent.

Most children will feel more secure if they have regular contact with their parents and know where to get extra support if they need it. If they understand the situation you should involve them in the decision-making.

Cons

Mediation sessions are run by professionals who help you try to reach an agreement without going to court. It isn’t relationship counselling and you don’t have to be in the same room as the other parent.

Choose this if...Choose Professional mediation if...

You both want to reach an agreement but need help from someone who is independent.